King, who was unarmed, "attempted to disarm an offender" and was shot in the abdomen, Casanova said.

King was in good condition at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, according to a hospital spokesman.

A 26-year-old male patron, shot in the wrist during the incident, was in fair condition.

King, a member of the Chicago police force for 15 years who was assigned to the Jefferson Park District tactical team, also was struck on the head in the scuffle.

Preliminary reports indicated that three robbers entered the tavern and that one of them jumped over the bar. All of the suspects fled after the shooting, and Casanova said it was unknown whether they took any money.